​Note to self: a brilliant way to celebrate mom’s birthday is with family photos. This is the case for the Hoffman family this year as they gathered all together on Kim’s birthday for family photos before hitting up Texas Roadhouse for dinner (so smart, because I definitely eat wayyy too many rolls when I go there)! We know this fun-loving family from our church and have been able to watch the Hoffman “kids” grow up – except, they’re no longer kids. With Sam in the middle of his senior year, Kim and Steve are about to transition into having all young adults in their family.

​One of the most beautiful things about life is when you get to walk alongside another family, and this has been the case for the Teal family. We first met this family before we even had kids and when Austin was just a little baby. Then, overtime, our oldest came along and second oldest came along. We knew the Teals were hoping for another little one for their family, and we sincerely prayed with them in the journey for that addition. We cried together, we laughed together, we went to marriage retreats together. And finally, another little one was going to join the family! Michele and Jim were unbelievably excited about their precious rainbow baby boy – who wouldn’t be? What they didn’t know is after years of waiting, not only one precious baby boy would be joining, but two, and not only two baby boys, but after a long awaited time entered a precious little lady.

This girl is working hard to take on the world. Meet Anita, a Park High School senior who is busy in student council, National Honor Society, yearbook, random acts of kindness, working, homecoming preparations, and golf this spring. Just the thought of all that brings me right back to my high school senior year – excitedly taking on the world and doing my hardest to prepare for the future. That’s why I particularly loved how we finished her senior photos outside of Geek Haven Coffee in Hastings with her laptop and planner in hand, because how true it photographs this stage of life – working hard and staying organized with all the things.

​Meet the Damhof Family. We met up for the first time at Highlands Park in Cottage Grove for their fall family mini photos after they saw a fellow friend get their mini portraits done with us. Sweet little Josh was initially hesitant with the new environment and a lady pointing a big black object at him, but after watching the geese and playing with some toys while hanging with his parents, his sweet smiles came out. I am always so blessed that families entrust such precious moments to be captured by us and hope that they are able to look at these family portraits for years to come!

​And also, for all of you families trying to figure out things to bring to help your kiddo smile, 10/10 recommend bringing a small stuffed animal that can sit on the camera lens like Josh’s little snake. We giggled and played most of our time with that!

It’s always so fun to see the laughter and playful sides of families. Every once and a while, a family shows up and immediately strikes a pose for their photos – which is great, but we don’t need a pose, we need to see you as people. You know, naturally smiling and laughing, playing and walking, talking and, well, just being people. Sure, we absolutely suggest how to stand and where to put your hands. We’ve definitely seen that people don’t know where, when, and how to do those things to look best on camera, but once we’ve gotten through the initial setup, we’ll do the hard work. And your goal? Have fun, be joyful, make memories. This is where the Rock Family rocks their family photo sessions. Ha! Yes, every pun intended.